On Saturday 2 December, we helped local communities get into the festive spirit and discover England’s first coast-to-coast canoe trail with their biggest ‘Santa Splash’.

Santa Splash 2017

50 Santas, elves and helpers participated in the ‘Santa Splash’ on the 200-year old Leeds & Liverpool Canal, which forms part of the Desmond Family Canoe Trail.

The festive two-mile paddle set off from Eldonian Village Vauxhall, and finished at the Bootle Hub at SAFE Regeneration Centre.

Funded by a £1.3 million grant from the Desmond Foundation, the 162-mile Desmond Family Canoe Trail starts in Liverpool, follows Britain’s longest canal - the Leeds & Liverpool, links into the Aire & Calder Navigation in Yorkshire and reaches the east coast at Goole.

Danny Matley from the Canal & River Trust said: "We had a brilliant day. It was great to see so many people turn out and help us create our biggest ever Santa Splash. It’s a unique way to experience the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and have fun getting into the festive spirit."